Seleznyovskiye Bani, one Moscow’s traditional bathhouses, is reminiscent of a social club where the people are relaxed enough to sit back, drink beer and be away from reality, even if only for a few hours.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianA group of middle-aged men take a break after their first steam at the Seleznyovskiye Bani.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
A group of middle-aged men take a break after their first steam at the Seleznyovskiye Bani.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianA woman exchanges her white stilettos for pink rubber sandals, which is a standard in banya etiquette.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
A woman exchanges her white stilettos for pink rubber sandals, which is a standard in banya etiquette.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianIn the wash room, a group of women prepare to enter the parilka, or steam room, for their third session.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
In the wash room, a group of women prepare to enter the parilka, or steam room, for their third session.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianA gas-fired furnace occupies a corner of the steam room. An excessive amount of moisture is created by continuously pouring water over the fiery red stones.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
A gas-fired furnace occupies a corner of the steam room. An excessive amount of moisture is created by continuously pouring water over the fiery red stones.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianIn a big sweeping motion, a woman freneti-cally wields a fan in order to prepare the steam in the sauna.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
In a big sweeping motion, a woman freneti-cally wields a fan in order to prepare the steam in the sauna.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianA small window in the center of the steam room allows a brisk to flow in, but with temperatures often exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius), the parilka quickly becomes unbearable.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
A small window in the center of the steam room allows a brisk to flow in, but with temperatures often exceeding 200 degrees Fahrenheit (110 degrees Celsius), the parilka quickly becomes unbearable.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianA woman enjoys her first round of steam in the banya. The temperature rises the higher you are seated in the room. After a few minutes, the heat becomes too overpowering to stand.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
A woman enjoys her first round of steam in the banya. The temperature rises the higher you are seated in the room. After a few minutes, the heat becomes too overpowering to stand.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianWhen the parilka becomes overheated, the women rush to the wash room where they drench themselves with ice cold water.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
When the parilka becomes overheated, the women rush to the wash room where they drench themselves with ice cold water.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianPublic banyas are gender segregated. This decree started during the reign of Catherine the Great, who banned co-ed public bathing in 1743. This is the view from the male changing room.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
Public banyas are gender segregated. This decree started during the reign of Catherine the Great, who banned co-ed public bathing in 1743. This is the view from the male changing room.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianBeyond simply cleansing, the banya is known for purging the body of unwanted toxins, and calming the nervous system. These two women attend the banya every Wednesday.It is something they say they can't live without.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
Beyond simply cleansing, the banya is known for purging the body of unwanted toxins, and calming the nervous system. These two women attend the banya every Wednesday.It is something they say they can't live without.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianIn the banya, infused aromas, such as mint or sage, permeate the room. This is the third and final steam of the banya ritual.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
In the banya, infused aromas, such as mint or sage, permeate the room. This is the third and final steam of the banya ritual.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianA group of women celebrate at the banya bar with Russian beer, kvass and fish.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
A group of women celebrate at the banya bar with Russian beer, kvass and fish.
© RIA Novosti . Diana MarkosianAt the end of the day, after spending a typical two hours in the banya, a woman prepares for Moscow's bustling streets.
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© RIA Novosti . Diana Markosian
At the end of the day, after spending a typical two hours in the banya, a woman prepares for Moscow's bustling streets.